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Hemorrhagic Fevers: Diseases Difficult to Detect and Treat, Study Says An attack with hemorrhagic fever as a biological weapon would be particularly dangerous because early symptoms are ordinary and there is no vaccine or approved drug treatment, experts said in new guidelines published in this week’s Journal of the American Medical Association (see GSN, Jan. 16). The Working Group on Civilian Biodefense, which includes doctors and experts from the military, civilian government and universities, said it hopes the guidelines can help physicians recognize uncommon or isolated diseases that could be wielded by terrorists. The group earlier published guidelines on anthrax, smallpox and plague. Few doctors have ever seen such diseases in actual patients, it said. The United States and former Soviet Union have weaponized some hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola and Marburg (see GSN, Nov. 30). Victims of such disease often show early signs similar to influenza symptoms, such as fever, facial redness, lethargy and headaches. Bleeding usually starts later, according to the guidelines. The article, which recommends steps to reduce fever and blood pressure, says physicians could use ventilators and anti-seizure drugs if necessary. Medical workers would have to send blood samples to one of two national laboratories that can test for such viruses, and health care personnel would need heavy masks, impermeable gowns and other protective equipment. Medical authorities would have to isolate any suspected victims, since hemorrhagic fevers are highly contagious, according to the Associated Press. The guidelines are useful for doctors who would be involved in responding to an epidemic, but medical workers also need national government funds for training and equipment, said Neal Shipley, head of the emergency department at Manhattan’s North General Hospital. “It’s one thing to have the masks and suits sitting in someone’s office. It’s another thing to have personnel on every shift, 24-7, who know how to use them,” Shipley said (Lindsey Tanner, Associated Press/Yahoo.com, May 7).
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